Surfactant Replacement in Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome Type

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Surfactant Replacement in Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome Type The innovation of surfactant replacement therapy in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome has proven to increase the survival and minimize the complications of the premature neonate. Replacing surfactant has lessened time on ventilators, and allowing the neonate and parents an opportunity to grow together earlier outside of intensive care. This paper will discuss the etiology of respiratory distress syndrome type I, the treatment options and nursing care of the neonate during surfactant replacement. Respiratory distress syndrome type I is a decrease production of surfactant, a noncelluar chemical produced in the type II alveolar in the lungs that's primary function is to decrease the surface tensions and attraction between the type I alveolar walls. Respiration requires the alveolar walls to inflate and deflate continuously, while ventilating the alveoli are exposed to moisture causing an attraction between the alveolar walls. (Kenner, Lott, & Flandermeyer, 271) Surfactant primary function is to neutralize the attraction to prevent alveolar collapse during deflation. The fetus begins to develop the type II alveoli at 22nd to 24th week of gestation, however these immature alveoli are incapable of supplying enough surfactant to meet the infant's respiratory needs. The fetus surfactant production begins to become adequate at the middle terminal stage of alveoli development and production becomes optimal at the 34th-to-36th week. (Porth, 1306) There are four types of surfactant produced by the type 2 alveoli known as primary surfactant proteins SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D. SP-A and SP-D roles are inhibiting production of surfactant i... ... middle of paper ... ...Reid, S. (2000). Targeted early rescue surfactant in ventilated preterm infants using the click test. Pediatrics. 106. (3). 589 Porth, C. (1998). Pathophysiology. (5th ed.) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lippincott Publishing Rodriquez, R., & Martin, R. (1999). Exogenous surfactant in newborns. Respiratory Care Clinics of North America 5. (4), 595-616 Tzong-Jin, W., & Kuo-Inn, T. (1996). Transfusion-Related acute lung injury treated with surfactant in a neonate. European Journal of Pediatrics. 155. (7). 589-591. Uebel, P. (1999). A case study of antenatal distress and consequent neonatal respiratory distress. Neonatal Network. 18 (5). 67-70 Woodrum, D.(1998). Practice standards for administration of Exogenous Surfactant. (Survanta). University of Washington Academic Medical Center. Available: Http://neonatal.peds.washington.edu/NICU-WEB/surf.stm Accessed: 2/08/01.

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